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State PSC

OPSC OCS 2026

Odisha Public Service Commission

Mode

Offline

Level

Graduate

Vacancies

400+

Fee

₹200 (Gen), ₹0 (SC/ST)

Key dates

Notification

Dec 2025

Application Last Date

Feb 2026

Prelims Exam

May 2026

Mains Exam

Oct 2026

Viva-Voce

Feb 2027

Eligibility

  • Bachelor's degree from a recognized university
  • Age limit: 21 to 38 years for general category
  • Domicile of Odisha is mandatory
  • Age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST and OBC candidates
  • Proficiency in Odia language required

Syllabus

  • History and Culture of Odisha
  • Indian History and Indian Polity
  • Geography of Odisha and India
  • Economy and Development
  • General Science
  • English and Odia Language

Exam Pattern

  • Prelims: Objective type General Studies paper
  • Mains: Seven descriptive papers including Odia, English, Essay, and General Studies
  • Viva-Voce for mains qualifiers
  • Final merit based on Mains and Viva-Voce marks

Exam overview

OPSC OCS (Odisha Civil Services) Examination is conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission to recruit officers for Odisha Administrative Service (OAS), Odisha Police Service (OPS), Odisha Finance Service, and other Group A and Group B gazetted posts in Odisha state government. With over 400 vacancies, OCS is the most prestigious competitive examination in Odisha, offering a gateway to senior administrative roles in one of India's fastest-growing states.

OPSC OCS preparation demands strong knowledge of Odisha history, culture, heritage sites like Konark and Puri, tribal affairs, state economy, and current affairs alongside national-level topics. The Mains exam has seven papers including compulsory Odia and English language papers. Candidates should build answer-writing skills for descriptive papers and develop awareness of Odisha government initiatives. Viva-Voce evaluates candidates on personality and administrative potential.

Preparation tip

Start with the syllabus topics listed above, then practice timed mock tests and revise previous year questions weekly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility for OPSC OCS 2026?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university and be a domicile of Odisha. The age limit is 21 to 38 years for general category, with 5 years relaxation for SC/ST and OBC. Proficiency in Odia language is required for most posts. SC/ST candidates are exempt from the application fee of Rs. 200.
What is the salary for OPSC OCS selected candidates?
OPSC OCS officers are placed at Pay Level 9 to 12 as per the 7th Pay Commission. The basic pay ranges from Rs. 44,900 to Rs. 78,800 per month. Total compensation including Odisha state allowances ranges from Rs. 65,000 to Rs. 1.2 lakh per month depending on the post.
How many attempts are allowed in OPSC OCS?
OPSC OCS allows a maximum of 6 attempts for general category candidates within the age limit of 38 years. SC/ST candidates can attempt up to 9 times within the relaxed age limit. OBC candidates get 7 attempts. The age limit is the primary constraint.
What is the OPSC OCS syllabus 2026?
OPSC OCS Prelims covers Odisha and Indian history, geography, polity, economy, and current affairs. Mains has seven papers: Odia Language, English Language, Essay, General Studies I (History and Culture), General Studies II (Polity and Economy), General Studies III (Science and Technology), and optional subject. Viva-Voce is 200 marks.
When is the OPSC OCS 2026 notification date?
The OPSC OCS 2026 notification was released in December 2025 with applications closing in February 2026. The Prelims exam is scheduled for May 2026 and Mains for October 2026. Viva-Voce is expected in February 2027. Candidates should check the official OPSC website for exact dates.